I'm of the opinion that you just cannot beat a rotary phone! Dial each number, heart rate quickening as you head towards those last few numbers, and plenty of time whilst dialling to change your mind and hang up.
Of course, when you did get an answer it would be with a repeat of the number you just dialled, or part of it at least! Seems so alien already.
I love the sound of your town and all your memories of your neighbours. Always such characters, and as kids, they seem to turn into caricatures in a way- as we remember just one or two traits.
E x
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment @eveningart. I'm glad I was able to take you back down memory lane too with the rotary phone shout out. They were great, weren't they? And yes, seem like an age ago, already.